Re-enter _DAISY, L. 2 E.; she has common apron on, sleeves rolled up, hands covered with dough and arms bearing flour marks; followed by MRS. THORNTON and HELEN, both wearing common aprons_.
=Daisy.= For goodness' sake, what is the matter?
=Miss A.= (_in hysterics_) Oh--oh--oh--I've been frightened nearly to death. Oh, dear, oh!
=Miss A.= A tall colored man. He sat down on the sofa beside me. Oh, dear, I shall die, I know I shall. (_MRS. T. and HELEN approach and try to quiet her. DAISY goes to D. C. and peers behind curtain_)
=Miss A.= He was dressed in one of the Deacon's suits.
=Mrs. T.= In my brother's clothes? Impossible!
=Miss A.= He was, I tell you. He escaped out of the balcony window. (_points to D. C._)
=Daisy.= Oh! (_screaming, runs to group. All appear frightened, and scream_)
=Helen.= Auntie, I believe you fell asleep and had a bad dream.
=Miss A.= Asleep! I've not closed my eyes this blessed day. I saw him as plainly as I see you. The ugly wretch! Oh, oh!
=Mrs. T.= Daisy, go and find Pete and send him for a policeman. This matter must be investigated.
=Helen.= (_going to door, L., listening_) I think I hear uncle moving about his room. He'll soon be down and will help us search the house.
=Miss A.= Oh, for goodness' sake, help me to get away before he comes. (_MRS. T. and HELEN assist her to rise, and start with her toward L. 2 E._)
=Miss A.= No, no, not that way. I might meet him. Take me out along the balcony way. I'd rather meet that horrid colored man again than the Deacon in my present condition. Oh, dear, it was a terrible shock! Terrible!
Re-enter _PETE, L. 2 E., disguised as MISS A.; wears a similar wig etc._
=Pete.= (_C., imitating MISS A.'S manner_) I declar', my heart's flutterin' like all creation. I have a 'pintment wid de Deacon. I knows he's gwine to ax me to marry him. Oh, dear, I shall faint! I knows I shall, but I can't refuse him. (_takes seat on sofa_) Hark! I hear footsteps. 'Tis he, by Jerusalem! I'll 'tend I'm mad wid him for not comin' sooner. (_bows head on L. arm of sofa, conceals feet under dress, pulls curls over side of face, and hides hands under chin_)
Enter _DEACON, L. 2 E., smiling blandly_.
=Deacon.= How lovely she appears. Still waiting for me. While I have been sleeping, she, like the grand noble creature that she is, has been patiently waiting my coming, no doubt considering each moment an hour. What a beautiful picture the sentiment of love in woman presents! (_goes to sofa, sits R._) Have I kept you waiting long, my darling? It was not my fault. Pete forgot to call me. You'll forgive me, my love, won't you? (_edging nearer_)